District 1 Community Council Blog

We see National Night Out as a time for neighbors to come together, get to know each other, share food and fun, and celebrate the diversity that makes this area so vibrant. In addition to the local block clubs that people held with their immediate neighbors, there were two large community events going on in District 1. One has been around for a while and the other was a first-time event.

​At Conway Rec Center, the Sanneh Foundation worked with a variety of partners to carry on International Night Out. They had folks helping people get registered to vote; local businesses (and the Mall of America) there with resources; they had games, dancing by the local Karen group and by their Hip Hop dance team; Target fed everyone; and District 1's Youth Council, Young Mentors Group (YMG), and board members were helping out, and surveying people on a variety of topics. Sun Ray Library - a faithful partner at this and other community events - was also there to distribute free books and talk about all the library has to offer. Holy Apostles Church was there again and gave away 1500 lbs of fresh produce in an hour. They had help from their youth group and congregation, as always.

​At Eastview Rec Center, Saint Paul Urban Tennis, local neighbors and District 1 joined forces to host a first-time - but we hope an annual - event with representatives from the League of Women voters, the Boy Scouts, Saint Paul Smart Trips (who were also at Conway), Saint Paul Library's Bookmobile, and Harding High School's ROTC programs. Attendees had a chance to have free tennis lessons, play lawn games, meet with officials, and join in a free potluck meal.​​We hope that everyone carries the fun and camaraderie forward into the rest of the year!

STORM DAMAGE CITYWIDE UPDATE (posted at 11:30 a.m.)All Park and Rec Center and Library programs and locations are fully operational, with the exception of the following centers that remain closed due to power outages:• Eastview Rec Center (as if this is ever open to the public... - editorial comment added by D1)• Highland Park Community CenterPlease consider the following tips if your home or property has been impacted by the storm.WIRES: Steer clear of any downed wires; even if they appear safe, they may still pose a danger. Call 911 to report downed wires. If you are hiring an electrical contractor, make sure they are reputable. For a list of the state’s licensed contractors, visithttp://bit.ly/29y358y. Choose “business” and then select “ELECTRICAL” AND “CLASS A.”TREES: To report a downed tree, contact 651-266-8989 or 651-266-9700. If you have trees or limbs down on your private property, remember that it is your responsibility to have all debris removed and disposed. You can drop off yard waste at Ramsey County yard waste collection sites: http://bit.ly/1TmKhoN. You are also strongly encouraged to use reputable tree removal services. For more tips and a list of licensed tree trimming contractors, visit: http://bit.ly/29umWnS (information will be posted shortly).CITY CREWS: Crews will be out over the next several days to remove debris that has fallen into public areas.POWER OUTAGE INFORMATION: For information about power outages contact Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-1999.